LCSO makes arrest in Silver Springs murder

YERINGTON — The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Silver Springs man on Tuesday, charging him in the shooting death of another Silver Springs man last week.

The LCSO said Santiago “Sunny” Fernandez, 48, allegedly killed Robert Buchanan III, 48, who died at the scene

In a statement from the LCSO, Fernandez is charged with open murder to include an enhancement for use of a deadly weapon. He is being held without bail at the Lyon County Detention Center in Yerington.

At 4:48 p.m. on Thursday, the LCSO dispatch center received numerous 911 calls regarding a fight at Nevada Avenue and Highway 95A in Silver Springs.

Shortly afterward Fernandez showed up at the Silver Springs Sheriff’s Substation with injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The Sheriff’s Office has identified other involved individuals and as the investigation continues those persons will be referred to the District Attorney’s Office for criminal charges if determined appropriate.

According to the LCSO and the Lyon County District Attorney’s Office, this isn’t the first act of violence between members of these two families. Law enforcement has investigated other cases involving violence or threats of violence between these two families.

“Our deputies have spent many hours in hopes of helping the families resolve their issues,” said Sheriff Al McNeil, “These cases are often difficult to resolve because of the emotions and the fact that witnesses are reluctant to become involved.”

According to District Attorney Steve Rye, “There are three pending criminal court cases regarding incidents between these families.”

McNeil and Rye are urging those with information relating to this case to contact the Sheriff’s Office and assist law enforcement in bringing those responsible to justice. They are also calling for calm within the Silver Springs community.

“This violence threatens the safety of this community and has come with a deadly price tag, and must stop now. To tend this, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols for the Silver Springs area. In cooperation with the District Attorney’s Office incidents of retaliation will not be tolerated and will be dealt with through the fullest of the criminal justice system. We are asking community support in reporting any acts of suspected retaliation,” the LCSO said in a press release.

The investigation of this case is ongoing. Anyone with any information regarding this case is asked to contact the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office at 775-463-6620 or Secret Witness at 775-322-4900, http://www.secretwitness.com.